Martha
Meaning of Martha
The name Martha is a classic and timeless choice for a baby girl, with deep roots in history and culture. Originating from the Aramaic language, Martha means "lady" or "mistress," reflecting its dignified and strong connotations. Pronounced as MAHR-thuh (/ˈmɑrθə/), Martha has been a popular name for centuries, often associated with biblical figures such as Martha of Bethany, who was known for her hospitality and service. Despite its ancient origins, Martha has maintained a steady presence in the United States over the years. Although it peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century—ranking as high as 32nd in 1948—it remains a beloved choice today, ranking 673rd in 2023. The name also has variations like Marta, which offer a slightly different but equally elegant option. With its rich history and enduring appeal, Martha continues to be a meaningful and cherished name for many families.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as MAHR-thuh (/ˈmɑrθə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Martha
| Martha Stewart is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality known for her focus on home and hospitality, as well as her successful ventures in publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, and e-commerce. |
| Martha Washington - Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, the wife of George Washington, was the inaugural first lady of the United States and set many precedents for future first ladies. |
| Martha Plimpton is an American actress, activist, and former model known for her roles in films like The Goonies, Parenthood, and Frozen II. |
| Martha Graham, an influential American modern dancer and choreographer, revolutionized American dance with her iconic Graham technique, which continues to be widely practiced globally. |
| Martha Hughes Cannon - Martha Maria "Mattie" Hughes Cannon was a pioneering Utah State Senator, physician, women's rights advocate, and suffragist who made history as the first female State Senator elected in the United States. |
| Martha Wells is an award-winning American writer known for her speculative fiction, including the popular science fiction series The Murderbot Diaries and fantasy series Ile-Rien and The Books of the Raksura. |
| Martha Argerich is an Argentine classical concert pianist widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of all time, known for her exceptional talent and numerous award-winning performances. |
| Martha Moore Ballard, an American midwife and healer, gained fame for her detailed diary that provided historians with valuable insight into the lives of frontier women. |
| Martha Raye, also known as The Big Mouth, was a renowned American comic actress and singer, celebrated for her performances in movies, television, and Broadway, and honored for her humanitarian work at the 1969 Academy Awards. |
| Martha Lane Fox, Baroness Lane-Fox of Soho, is a prominent British businesswoman, philanthropist, and public servant known for co-founding Last Minute and her involvement in various digital projects and board positions. |
| Martha Mendoza is an Associated Press journalist known for her reporting that has led to the liberation of over 2,000 enslaved fishermen and spurred action from the U.S. Congress and the White House. |
| Martha Harris, a British Kleinian psychoanalyst, significantly expanded the Child Psychotherapy service at the Tavistock Clinic and developed the Tavi Model, which has been adopted internationally. |
| Martha Bulloch Roosevelt - Martha Stewart "Mittie" Roosevelt was an influential American socialite with deep Southern roots, known for being the mother of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and the paternal grandmother of Eleanor Roosevelt. |
| Martha Bernays was the wife of Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. |
| Martha Marek was an Austrian serial killer who gained media attention in the interwar period. |
